Travel with Rolando Chang Barrero

  Amboy Road: A Beautiful, Dangerous, and Unforgettable Stretch of the Mojave Driving Amboy Road from Joshua Tree to I-40 felt like stepping into one of those classic desert films—just me, Bella, and a long, lonely ribbon of pavement cutting straight through the heart of the Mojave. The road itself is no joke: a narrow two-lane highway with cracked asphalt, sudden dips, unexpected curves, and absolutely no services for miles. Cell signal disappears, the heat rises fast, and the silence is so complete it almost hums. It’s the kind of place where you feel the desert watching you, reminding you to pay attention. Bella sat up the whole way, ears perked, scanning the endless horizon like my little co-pilot. Every now and then she’d look back at me as if to say, “Are you sure we’re supposed to be out here?” And honestly—that’s part of Amboy Road’s charm. The vastness is overwhelming: pale sand flats stretching forever, scraggly creosote bushes clinging to life, volcanic cinder cones r...

  I am proud to introduce my friend  Diana Davis  — a powerful filmmaker, advocate, and tireless champion in the fight against human trafficking. Through her nonprofit, Movies Making A Difference (MMAD), Diana brings real stories to life and mobilizes communities to help survivors rebuild their lives.  I hope you’ll take a moment to watch the  Carmelita trailer . You may even spot some familiar faces — friends and neighbors who came together to support this mission.  If the trailer moves you, please consider supporting MMAD with a  donation . Every contribution helps Diana continue her hands-on work and deepen the impact she’s already making. Notes of encouragement are also welcome — she’s been working day and night to bring this project to life.  Email Diana   Together, we truly can make a difference. Sincerely,   Rolando Chang Barrero

This trip was my first time taking the RV out, and I didn’t want to do it alone. I drove early in the morning down to Miami to meet JC and Carlos. Parking a 28-foot RV on a city street in their neighborhood was its own adventure. I managed it, but not gracefully. We all laughed, and just like that, the trip started on familiar footing. Inside, JC had set aside more than just “things to pack.” She had blankets, dishes, and small memorabilia from the old days — items from our shared history in the South Florida art scene, especially from the Lincoln Road era before it became polished and commercial. It felt like she was stocking not just an RV, but a continuation of a life we’ve all lived together. Carlos handled the loading and practical details, ticking things we needed to take with us. The drive to Key West was easy. When we arrived at Leo's campground, we set up together — or really, they set up while I paid attention and tried to learn. I watched how to level the RV, how to con...

  CampOUT Alabama – Fall Visit   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My stay at CampOUT Alabama during the fall season was a truly beautiful and memorable experience. The campground is nestled in a rich, naturally wooded environment where the changing colors of the season create a stunning backdrop — an absolute dream for photography. Every path, every clearing, every sunrise felt like a moment worth capturing. What made my visit even more meaningful was the incredibly friendly and warm welcome from the residents and community at the campground. Their kindness and openness created a sense of belonging from the very start. Bella and I felt embraced, seen, and celebrated — a rare and special feeling while traveling. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature retreat, a safe and inclusive community, or simply a place to breathe deeply under the trees, CampOUT Alabama offers it all. We will surely return. # TravelWithRolando #AdventuresWithBella # CampOUTAlabama # LGBTQCampgrounds # FallPhotography...

  Mason Hills Farm – Texas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ by Rolando Chang Barrero My Harvest Host stay at Mason Hills Farm was a true highlight of my travels. Bella and I arrived to a warm welcome and were guided to a level parking area with electric , which made settling in easy and stress-free. The hospitality here feels genuine, grounded, and rooted in pride for the land and the animals. One of the best parts of the stay was being able to stock up on some of the highest-quality, locally raised beef I’ve encountered anywhere in the country. Mason Hills Farm not only raises and processes their own beef for retail and wholesale , but also provides processing services for other local producers . Their small farm store is full of thoughtful offerings, including an impressive selection of syrups with natural and medicinal properties — something you don’t see every day. I was also welcomed to spend time with the cattle for photography, and I was amazed at how healthy, calm, and well-cared-for the...